Police: New Bedford drug deal leads to three arrests

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford police detectives arrested three people Monday after observing an alleged drug transaction in the area of the North Front Street and Phillips Avenue intersection.

The transaction took place between two female buyers and one male dealer according to New Bedford police.

The females were stopped and allegedly found to be in possession of three bags of crack cocaine and are identified as Gail Farland, 60 and Cheryl Ann Butler, 55.

The alleged dealer was stopped in his vehicle on Coffin Avenue and was identified as Eliezer Rivera, age 29 of New Bedford.

Rivera was found to be in possession of approximately 16 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale, baggies and a Bulldog .44 caliber revolver for which the suspect had no license, according to police.

Farland and Butler have been charged with possession of crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.

Rivera was charged with distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute, and illegal carrying a loaded firearm without a license, among other charges.